I have a question about breast shield size. I have tried to research the subject on the Medela website but it was a little hard to follow/ measure. I have 2 (24mm) breast shields and 2 (27mm) breast shields. I am trying to determine which one I should be using. How much of the nipple should be moving in the shield while you pump? When I use the 24mm shield, less than an inch of my nipple is actually in the shield moving and it is difficult to position the shield so that my nipple isn't rubbing against the side. When I use the 27mm shield, more of my aerola is a shield moving and is able to expand easier and not touch the side of the shield. Obviously the bigger the shield, the more of the aerola that will be exposed. How much of the aerola is optimal? Which shield size do you think I should be using for maxiumum stimulation?

My second question is when I am pumping my nipple is its natural color, but when I am done and I remove the shield the part of my nipple that was in the shield is white. This happens regardless of what shield size I use. Is this normal? Is there anything I can do to stop it from happening?


Thanks so much!

Hey Claudia,
I'm going to attempt to answer your questions. Your nipples naturally swell during pumping, so it would be best to fit your shields during a pumping session. The nipples should not rub against the sides of the phlange at all. If they do, go with the next bigger size. Technically, the areola should not be suctioned into the phlange at all, but if you need that larger size to prevent nipple friction, then so be it.

About the color of your nipple. With vasospasm, nipple stimulation (or cold) causes the blood vessels in the nipple to contract, thus cutting off blood supply to that tissue. This causes pain, usually when pumping is stopped, and suddenly blood flow rushes back. It's a burning sensation, and the nipples may look white at first, then blue or bright red. If the change in color of your nipples is not accompanied by pain, then I would say not to worry about it. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, kind of thing.
HTH,
Jenny